We usually have some people over for the game, but this year it will just be the three of us since Jamie leaves for LA the next morning. During the regular season, we love to make pasta (often homemade), braised short ribs or chili as our Sunday staples. When we have people over, I usually make a nice spread of deluxe bar-type food. Since it’s just us this Sunday, I’m going to try a new dish that was in my Feb Food & Wine: braised pork with ginger-pickled shishito peppers (though I don’t have shishito peppers and instead pickled a variety of peppers last night. Here’s hoping it’s still as good as it looks). Update: Apparently Dave over at Live to Cook/At Home and I rip out the same recipes. He already tried this dish and says it’s wonderful.

What are your plans for the game? If you’re hosting friends and looking for some super simple menu ideas, here are a few courtesy of Heinen’s, as well as game day picks for drinks. I haven’t personally tried any of these dishes, but I love the hot dog bar idea. I did something similar several years ago with a mashed potatoes and it was well received.

2008 Vin Hunter Chardonnay // What’s most impressive about this vibrant white is that while there was fermentation and aging of a portion of the wine in oak, the wine still retains zippy acidity that preserves a mouthwatering freshness.  The oak contributes flavor, not heaviness, and marries perfectly with ripe apple and tropical notes.  This wine has everything except a hefty price tag. ($10.99/bottle)

2005 Ravenswood Syrah // This Syrah has the style of a good, northern Rhone combined with the forwardness and panache that is California. This bright and complex beauty is about as good a Syrah as you’ll ever find for the money.  ($9.99/bottle)

Rogue Chocolate Stout // Our friends at Oregon’s Rogue Brewery have crafted this special Chocolate Stout (it has won just about every award imaginable in “Flavored Beer” judging’s) for beer and chocolate lovers alike. ($5.49 / 22oz. bottle)

Great Lakes Conway’s Irish Ale // A malty Irish Ale with a notable toasty flavor derived from lightly roasted malt. ($8.99 / 6 pack or $15.99 / 12 pack)

Create a hot dog bar (they like Nathan’s Famous all-beef dogs)

New York Dog – Sauerkraut, Spicy Brown Mustard

Chicago Dog – Chopped Onions & Tomatoes, Pickles, Green Relish, Yellow Mustard, Celery Salt

Chili & Cheese Dog – Spicy Chili, Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Salsa Dog – Mexican Salsa, Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Tex Mex Dog – Jalapeño Peppers, Spicy Chili, Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Pepper & Onion Dog – Green Peppers, Red Peppers, Sautéed Onions

Reuben Dog – Swiss Cheese, Thousand Island Dressing, Sauerkraut

Potato, ham and herb pizza

Heat the oven according to package directions for the pizza.  In a large skillet over high, heat the oil. Add the hash browns and cook, stirring often, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the ham or Canadian bacon and herbs. Cook for another minute. Season with salt and pepper.  Sprinkle half of the cheese over the pizza, then top that with the potato mixture, then the remaining cheese. Bake according to the package directions.

Chicken, olive and chili pizza

Heat the oven according to package directions for the pizza.  In a small bowl toss the chicken with the oil and taco (or chili) seasoning mix.  Sprinkle half of the cheese over the pizza, then top with the chicken mixture, then the remaining cheese. Top with olives and chilies. Bake according to the package directions.

Guacamole

In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt. Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.

________________________________________

Place Your Bets

Want to place a bet on the game, foodie style? Predict the winning score and win a cooking class for two to Viking (your choice) courtesy of Heinen’s, the sponsor of this post. You must leave a comment with your prediction before kickoff on Sunday. In the event of a tie, I’ll use random.org to pick a winner. Good luck and Go Saints (I always root for the underdog!).